A Gripping and Exciting New Musical: The Mad Ones at UW-Parkside

SOMERS, Wis. – The Theatre Arts Department at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside is getting ready to open The Mad Ones, a new musical by Bree Lowdermilk and Kait Kerrigan.

The show, which premiered Off-Broadway in 2017 under the title The Unauthorized Biography of Samantha Brown, is presented as part of the FreshINK Series and features a small ensemble and two professional musicians, David Brady (piano) and Charlie Collins (guitar). The FreshINK Series provides opportunities for students and audiences to engage with meaningful contemporary works throughout the theatre season.

The Mad Ones tells the story of a young woman named Sam who prepares to leave for college. Sam struggles to fulfill her mother’s expectations while being haunted by the sudden loss of her best friend Kelly, a constant reminder that life is hers to live.

“The plot focuses on Sam’s decision to either follow the dreams her mother has set out for her or simply drive off into an unknown future like Jack Kerouac’s characters in On the Road,” said Rachael Swartz, director of the production and newest member of the UW-Parkside theatre faculty.

“The music is like a rock concert” said Elise Sparks, a junior Theatre Arts major who plays the part of Sam. “There are great universal themes in this piece as it explores growing up, grief, change, and finding the bravery to live the life you wish to lead. It’s both incredibly moving and very funny. We can’t wait to share this show with a live audience!” added Sparks.   

The Mad Ones runs November 19-20, at the Rita Tallent Picken Regional Center for the Arts and Humanities. Running time is 90 minutes without intermission. For tickets and to learn more, visit uwp.edu/therita.

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is committed to high-quality educational programs, creative and scholarly activities, and services responsive to its diverse student population, and its local, national, and global communities. We are a dynamic learning community grounded in academic excellence and focused on student success, diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.  The campus serves as a premier comprehensive public institution and a destination of choice, serving as a focal point of local, regional, and global progress. 

Media contact:

Andrew Savagian
Communications Director
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
savagian@uwp.edu